Photometer carrying case



1948- J. BOSLEY 2,447,053

PHOTOMETER CARRYING CASE Filed April 5, 1946 [772/672 for Patented Aug. 17, 1948 OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention, a photometer carrying case, coincidently provides complete protection for a photometer, a convenient carrying arrangement, and complete access to the photometer Without its removal or even partial removal from the case. It provides cushioning against bumps or falls, can be carried by a shoulder strap or a hand strap or by attachment to the trouser belt. Loosening of a single clasp member makes every element of the photometer necessary for light measurements and exposure calculations accessible, including the microammeter and its dial, the calculating elements, and the eye or light intercepting passage, so that light intensity can be measured and read and the proper exposure determined while the photometer is Within the case and supported by the conventional shoulder strap or the like.

Conventional carrying cases for photometers and the like consist merely of a pocket to receive the meter, and a flap to close the pocket, so that meter cannot be used without its complete removal from the case, and when removed it has no protection against bumps or falls and must be hand supported. As is well known, the microammeter of a conventional photometer is an extremely delicate and sensitive instrument so that almost any sharp shock, even of strong light, is almost certain to destroy the accuracy of the instrument, and it is for this reason that this case was evolved; to maintain full protection for the meter at all times, during use just as much as during non-use, and to provide individuallypreferablc means for carrying.

The objects and advantages of the invention are as follows:

First, to provide a shock-proof carrying case for a photometer.

Second, to provide a shock-proof carrying case for a photometer which provides complete access to all manually controllable, operable, and observable parts of the meter Without its removal from the case.

Third, to provide a carrying case for photometers with cover elements provided with a single clasp or closure means, the release of which permits uncovering of light intercepting, light measuring and exposure calculating elements for direct access, without removal of the meter from the case proper.

Fourth, to provide a carrying case as outlined with attaching means for shoulder strap, hand strap, or for attachment to a waist belt at will.

Fifth, to provide a carrying case as outlined with projecting cushioning means for all edges of the case to absorb shock and protect an enclosed photometer against damage through impact.

In describing the invention reference will be made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the invention showing the cover members open and a photometer in position with the micro-ammeter and calculating dials exposed for direct observation and manipulation.

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the invention showing the photometer eye or light intercepting passage exposed for taking readings of light conditions, with the cover flaps broken away.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the invention showing the slide fastener-closed slit for insertion and removal of the photometer and showing the cover flaps released.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the invention with the cover flaps broken away.

Fig. 5 is a section through the cushioned edge of the case.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the case with the covers closed, and the case carried on a waist belt.

The conventional photometer includes, along with its photo-cell and connections, a micro-ammeter having a dial it where the relative light intensity is readable; an eye H through which the light passes from the object plane to energize the photo-cell for actuating the micro-ammeter, and an adjustable calculating device l2 which must be accessible for calculating the exposure to be given the specific type of emulsion under the instant light conditions. The eye ll must face the object plane, the relative light intensity is read on the dial H], and then, knowing the speed of the film or plate being used, the correct stop and time interval of exposure can be quickly determined by suitable adjustment of the calculator 12. Thus, if the meter is to be retained in the case during measurements and calculations, these several elements must be accessible.

The case can be made of other materials, though leather is preferred, and if made of a grain leather, morocco, or other ornamental types, a very beautiful case results.

The case consists of a front panel 3, a rear panel M, and an encompassing side wall 15, these three members being connected together at their edges by suitable sewing and rolling or padding into a roll edge l6 which forms a cushion around all edges to absorb any shock and protect the micro-ammeter particularly against damage through impact, and also for ornamental purposes.

The front wall, for this specific type of photometer has an opening ll for reading the microammeter dial and this opening can, if desired, be supplied with a transparent window l8, of plastic or the like, since only visual access is required. Another opening is is formed in the lower end of the front wall for the calculating device l2. This opening must be entirely unobstructed as the various members of the calculator must be manually adjusted for the light reading, the speed of the emulsion used, and the stop to be used, for determining the proper exposure, so that no transparent cover can be used.

Another opening 20 is formed in the rear wall to expose the eye I l of the meter, and this opening likewise must be unobstructed and should have no transparent cover, as any cover element would alter the accuracy, with too low readings of the light intensity resulting.

The carrying case is centrally split at one end and provided with a slide fastener 2| to ermit insertion or removal of the photometer from the case at will, and with the slide fastener closed as illustrated in Fig. 3, the photometer is effectively sealed within the case with no possibility of acci dental opening, and forming a sealed closure.

The photometer has an elongated strap loop at the lower end for a shoulder strap or the like and to accommodate the elongated loop, an elongated eye 22. is provided at the lower end of the case and this eye simultaneously functions as fastening means for the cover elements 23 and 24 which are connected by a strap section 25 which passes about the bottom of the case and which is secured by this eye 22.

A loop 25 is secured on the back cover element as by sewing 21, and a strap 28 has one end fastened to the upper end of the cover element 24 and is provided at its other end in spaced relation, with the male element 29 and a female element 33 of a snap clasp.

Fig. illustrates one method of forming the roll edges for the case, the respective edges of the side wall l5 and the peripheral edges of the front and back panels l3 and I4 being folded about a rubber or other resilient insert SI and then sewed through as indicated at 32.

The case can be carried in any one of several difierent ways. The standard shoulder-strap loop 33 projects through the eye 22. The trouser or skirt belt 3-! may be passed between the strap 28 and the cover element below the loop 26 as shown. When the case is supported by a Waist belt 34, opening of the covers automatically releases the carrying case for hand support.

The photometer carrying case is opened by moving the slide fastener lock 35 upwardly viewing Fig. 3 and about the top and down the other side the same distance. This forms an open gap through which the meter can be inserted, and after insertion the slide fastener lock is returned to the position shown to seal the gap.

The cover members 23 and 24 are closed against the respective faces of the carrying case from the position shown in Fig. 1, and fit closely within the confines of the protruding cushion roll edges 56. Fig. 3 shows these cover members in an almost closed position. The strap 28 is passed over the top and its end is passed through the loop 26 then bent back as indicated in Fig. 6 and the snap clasp is closed. This completely encloses the photometer and protects the inside of the case from dust or dirt, and also protects the photo-electric-cell against undue subjection to strong light, which is important since it is never advisable to allow direct sunlight to enter the eye ll because of the violent deflection of the needle which results.

When the meter is to be used, the case is left on its shoulder strap or other carrying element, the clasp 30 is unsnapped, the strap 28 is drawn out of the loop 26 and the covers released to hang as indicated in Fig. 1. The eye is directed toward the object to be photographed, the light intensity reading taken from the dial If], and the calculator I2 is then adjusted for light intensity, speedrating of the film, and the correct exposure and stop is then found. With this measurement and calculation completed, the case with its me ter can be permitted to hang from its shoulder strap until the exposure is made, and when the meter is no longer to be used the covers are again folded over and secured as previously explained.

Thus a carrying case is provided which permits every necessary reading and adjustment while the meter is efficiently and safely supported in its carrying case and protected against shock or impact.

I claim:

1. A carrying case for a photometer comprising; a pocket having a front wall, a rear wall, and a peripheral side Wall and adapted to receive and retain a photometer immovably therein, and a slit formed centrally of said side wall about one end thereof and with the respective edges of said slit provided with cooperative securing means, for insertion and removal of the photometer, and protruding cushioned edges formed about all edges of the case; a first opening formed in the back wall and registrable to expose the lightintercepting passage of the photometer; a second opening formed in the front wall to expose the dial of the photometer, and a third opening in the front wall for providing unrestricted access to the calculating apparatus of the photometer; a pair of flaps for the front and back walls and having a strap connection connected to the side wall at the lower end of the carrying case, and a loop formed on the flap for the rear wall and a strap extending from the free end of the flap for the front wall and both flaps fitting closely within the confines of said protruding cushioned edges to protect the case against ingress of dust through said first, second and third openings, said strap having cooperative fastening elements in spaced relation for cooperation when the end of the strap is passed through said loop and the end of the strap is looped back over said loop, whereby a photometer is completely accessible for 'ght readings and exposure calculations without removal from the carrying case when said fastening elements are uncoupled and the flaps released.

2. A carrying case for a photometer compris ing; a pocket having a front wall, a rear wall, and a peripheral side wall, and a passage formed through said side wall for insertion and removal of the photometer, and means for securing said passage in closed position, and protruding cushioned edges formed about all edges of the case; a first opening formed in the back wall and registrable to expose the light-intercepting passage of the photometer; a second opening formed in the front wall to expose the dial 0f the photometer, and a third opening in the front wall for providing unrestricted access to the calculating apparatus of the photometer; a flap for each, the front and back Wall and each having one edge hingedly connected to the case with both flaps fitting closely within the confines of said protruding cushioned edges to protect the case from ingress of dust through said first, second, and third openings; a strap having one end connected to one of said flaps, and cooperative securing means on said strap and the other flap for simultaneously securing or releasing both flaps at will.

JAMES L. BOSLEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number Number 6 UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany Mar. 29, 1939 

